IPVanish VS PIA (Private Internet Access) – Comparison 2016

IPVanish VS Private Internet Access

IPVanish VS Private Internet Access

Both IPVanish and Private Internet Access are very respectable and popular VPN service providers in the industry right now - and have been for some years.

Thus, many online users want to know what the main differences are between these two big names with regards to the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider. So we here at Fried wanted to help such users out by comparing these services against one another across said most significant areas of performance.

So without further ado, here is our comparison breakdown of IPVanish VS Private Internet Access. Enjoy!

NOTE: The percentages for each VPN across the factors are calculated against every VPN service provider we have reviewed here at Fried.com. So 100% means that service is one of -- if not the -- best performer in that area.

And the winner is...

Comparison Breakdown

With the best of the two VPN providers determined, it is just as important to understand exactly how IPVanish has been considered the better VPN service. This requires a more detailed breakdown of each of the six factors taken into consideration.

So to give you a more comprehensive understanding of how each VPN service performs in these factors, here is just that: a detailed breakdown of IPVanish VS Private Internet Access:

PRICE

Best

↓

$$

PLANS OFFERED:1 month = $10 6 months = $53.9812 months = $77.99

- IPVanish price their VPN service in the mid-to-high range when set against all other respectable VPN providers currently on the market. Generous savings are given to users that are willing to commit to longer plans.

$

PLANS OFFERED:1 month = $6.95 6 months = $35.9512 months = $39.95

- Private Internet Access is definitely one of best value for money VPN services around today, with very affordably priced plans made available to users. Just as with IPVanish, longer plans = bigger savings overall.

SPEED & PERFORMANCE

Best

↓

80%

- When it comes to sheer consistency of speed performance across all servers we tested on IPVanish, it just edged ahead of Private Internet Access, but really just by consistency.

75%

- Although Private Internet Access was able to deliver faster speeds at times over IPVanish, there were some momentary small inconsistencies with connection time and speed.

SECURITY & PRIVACY

Best

↓

EVEN

60%

- IPVanish offers up to 256-bit protocol encryption on all server connections and also have a strict zero-logging policy, which is great. Only downside is the US-based location of the IPVanish HQ that puts them at the mercy of strict US laws.

60%

- Just as with IPVanish, Private Internet Access provide solid levels of 128 and 256-bit encryption protocols giving great levels of privacy security. Zero-logging is also enforced at all times, however PIA must also adhere to US laws.

DEVICE COMPATIBILITY

Best

↓

EVEN

95%

- IPVanish is compatible with all major devices and platforms, from iOS to Android to OS X to Windows to Linux. Users can also easily setup a IPVanish VPN connection on devices like games consoles and eReaders via their router.

95%

- You can setup and connect to Private Internet Access from all major devices and platforms just as with IPVanish. Setup guides and tutorials are also provided to make multiple device setup as easy to do as possible.

SERVER LOCATIONS

Best

↓

60+

- Many servers are offered to users by IPVanish spread across over 60 countries all over the globe. What sets IPVanish apart from 99% of VPN providers is the offering of China-based servers, giving users access to online content only unblocked within China.

25+

- Although over 3000 servers are offered to users on Private Internet Access, this mammoth selection is spread across 25+ different nations, which is less than half the offering you get with IPVanish. If international online content unblocking is a priority, then go with IPVanish.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Best

↓

EVEN

80%

- IPVanish customer support is tentative and very knowledgable. Unfortunately there is no live chat on the IPVanish website, however support emails are responded to comprehensively within 30 minutes in our experience.

80%

- Private Internet Access clearly care about customer support since they offer multiple avenues of contact for users, including website live chat -- although this live chat usually has quite a lengthy wait time, which can defeat the purpose.

And the winner is...

In IPVanish VS Private Internet Access -- IPVanish proves itself to be the better VPN service provider. This was definitely one of the closest calls we have made between two VPN providers. Both performed very well across all areas, however in the end it is the sheer offering of server locations (and thus international IP address) along with consistency of speed performance that edges out IPVanish as the better performing VPN service.

Conclusion

IPVanish just manages to come out victorious as the better all round VPN service when compared against Private Internet Access. This difference in overall performance is certainly reflected accurately in the pricing of each VPN provider, which is very positive to see.

With that said, Private Internet Access' price plans being so affordable means that if you prioritise privacy protection and don't wish for the fastest internet speeds of the two, then it may make sense to give Private Internet Access over IPVanish.

Be sure to check out our comprehensive full reviews of both ExpressVPN and IPVanish to take a complete, detailed look at each service independently from each other: